jvbtte

Guys, thank you so much for the help, it is greatly appreciated and soo needed. I just bought a ford contour manual and there is no specs to what I needed. Again, thank you so much for all the help.

Does anyone have any information on the torque specs for the clutch plate and the bell housing bolts for a Ford ZX2 motor??? Bob: I put the throw out bearing/transmission back together today. I am going with that, thank you.

I picked up my parts today to put my sled back together, BUT I am not sure how to set up the slave cylinder. It appears that the clutch release bearing is spring loaded and causing the bearing to rest on the pressure plate continuously. Does this make sense? Has anyone had experience with this Ford annular set up?

Kyle That car is fast ! it hooks up real well too. congratulations.

Box: I havent decided which flywheel to use yet. Dick Brink gave me some prices, but I havent received any spec on the flywheel yet. If anyone has any ideas as to which flywheel to go with, I could use the help because all of these decisions are a bit overwhelming as this is new to me, but that is a good idea, I will take measurements before I bolt it completely. The weather was so nice this weekend, I was tempted to replace the defective throw out bearing/slave cylinder, slap the thing back together again and take it apart again on a rainy day. I figure if I take the motor in and out enough times, I should be able to get it down to 4 hours, maybe less LOL.

Bruce, thank you for the link to BGH. I will try to get in contact with them. The E7 package looks real nice. John, thank you for the gear ratio chart. Al, I will get your heat shield back to you as soon as I get this thing back together and inspected, hopefully within the next few weeks. I called Dick Brink earlier this week and he had some interesting input. He said that the T9 transmission should have a light weight gear oil in it to prevent grinding. He said he even heard of people using automatic trans fluid in their T9 transmissions. I am currently using Valveline synthetic 70/90. I would be curious to know what weight other members are using in their transmissions.

Last week, I was having trouble when I was driving aggressively with 3rd gear shifts grinding after the trans warmed up, shifts were above 5500rpm. T9 standard gear ratios, so I stupidly figured that I would adjust the clutch pedal, giving it more throw. NOT A GOOD IDEA!! After filling up at the local gas station, and answering all the usual questions, I slid into the driver seat, started her up, went to put her in gear when the clutch pedal went to the floor, resulting in a puddle of fluid under the bell housing on the pavement. Another question, “is that thing fast?” Reply, “its faster when not attached to a rope.” I called Caterham USA and they said I over stroked the slave cylinder. This means extract the engine and trans from the car, separate the trans from the engine and replace the slave cylinder. $#!t $$$$$ So, that is how I spent my Saturday and Sunday, getting intimate with my new yellow sled. Anyway, I was hoping this would help others not to do the same. Also I'm looking for advice, I would like to install a lightweight fly wheel. Caterham USA suggested a Firdanza aluminum flywheel. The trans looks new, maybe a better 3rd gear synchro? I would like a close ratio trans, but I'm not sure I can afford one right now. Does any one know how much they cost and where I can buy one?, perhaps I could just install a close ratio gear set in my existing trans? Carbon fiber drive shaft sounds good too. I would also like to install a Quaife LSD eventually. I'm not sure where to source any of these parts yet. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks Al, I got the exhaust shield today. I will make an appointment to get the car inspected. I will send it back after I pass inspection. Now with Mike's new black seats and the exhaust shield on my car, we will look almost like twins LOL........thank you again, I really appreciate it..........I will post pics once officially street legal........Jack

Hi Croc.The car looks great ! I was up in the park on sunday too.a great day for a blat I ran with out the doors.we ate and wore lot of gravel ill post pics as soon as I pass NJ inspection. i just need to put the exhaust shield on.

Wow..... that is a great ride! I was considering buying one of Brian's cars. I live in NJ too. I was not sure about getting it registered and street legal and I would love to come down and look at your car and speak to you in person if possible. Thanks, Jack

that was a fantastic adventure, very inspiring. I'm flying out to texas on friday and with some luck..... and a fist lull pf dollars . I too will attempt to take the adventurous path home to New Jersay in a 7 i've packed some light weight ski clothes in a small duffle bag. I'm a little worried to say the least but. we only live once. IM glad to see that there are other nut cases out there and now i dont feel so lonely. Ill CHeck the fastners. thank you Randal jack